By Julie E 
Photo Credit (Pixabay)
As the phrase goes, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” You’ve probably heard it before. Some people believe that you’re too old to learn a lot of things beyond a certain age. However, recent studies indicate that’s not the case. It’s possible that older brains can handle some tasks better than younger ones.
You’re Able to Do This
Your brain gets better at learning the more you do it.
Adults aged 58 to 86 who enrolled in three to five new sessions over the course of three months were the subject of a study. After only a month and a half, they developed mental capacities comparable to those of adults thirty years younger.
Some people believe that young people are better learners than adults. Perhaps the reality is that kids are just placed in situations where they have to spend a lot of time learning new things. Half of respondents to a survey of those over 40 said they don’t learn something new every week. Older adults are equally capable of learning if they behave like children, at least in this regard.
Benefits of Education After 60
Older brains are better at certain tasks, but they also get tougher at others as we age. The way your brain functions changes with age. Even though it might not be as quick as it used to be, some jobs will now need more mental effort. This indicates that your brain is truly functioning better than it did previously.
Older brains are better at impulse control because both men and women have lower testosterone levels. Mood swings are less likely to affect your thinking and decision-making after midlife.
You improve in certain areas as you age only because you’ve had more life experience. As you get older, you may get better at the following:
verbal skills. You’ll keep growing your vocabulary and honing your communication skills throughout your life.
inductive reasoning. It’s possible that older people are less prone to make snap decisions. With the facts at their disposal, consumers have a higher chance of making the correct choice. This suggests that they might be more adept at resolving issues.
spatial and visual abilities. As you become older, you could become more adept at determining where and how objects move in space.
simple math. Compared to someone younger than you, you’ve had a lot more practice.
ignoring negative. The part of the brain that controls memory and emotion, the amygdala, is less sensitive to unpleasant circumstances. Compared to younger people, people over 60 typically brood less.
being happy. As you get older, you could feel more content with your life. Many elderly folks accept their situation and downplay its unpleasant aspects. They also transcend their limitations by drawing on their experience.
Learning Challenges After 60: Insufficient self-assurance. This could be the most significant obstacle. According to a study on memory tests, even on easy activities, those over 60 were more likely to have memory problems. They took longer to do easy tasks as a result of this uncertainty.
Test anxiety. Some older persons experience higher levels of anxiety because they are more concerned about their memory and learning capacity. Their performance may suffer as a result of this anxiousness, and learning may become more difficult.
Advice for Education After 60
Question your presumptions. Your brain’s circuits are fully formed as an older adult. acquiring new perspectives is just as important as acquiring new information. Try new tasks and think of fresh ways to push yourself. Try taking a different route home from work or reading a history book that challenges your preconceived notions.
Exercise. Your brain benefits greatly from exercise. Numerous studies have examined the benefits of exercise on maintaining mental acuity. In one study, 160 participants who engaged in 45-minute workouts three times a week demonstrated improvements in their memory and cognitive function. Even greater improvement was shown by those who exercised and followed a heart-healthy diet.